decontextualize

[ dee-kuhn-teks-choo-uh-lahyz ]

verb (used with object)

, de·con·tex·tu·al·ized, de·con·tex·tu·al·iz·ing.

1. to remove (a linguistic element, an action, etc.) from a context:

   decontextualized works of art displayed in museums.

Other Words From

• decon·textu·al·i·zation noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of decontextualize¹

First recorded in 1975–80; de- + contextualize

Example Sentences

“They can also decontextualize dishes, leading to a warped understanding in the public opinion of what exactly a dish is.”

From Salon

But they completely decontextualize that—Jesus doesn’t mean that you have to be violent to take the kingdom of God.

From Slate

The framing is yet another example of how anti-vaxxers repeatedly decontextualize information to fit an anti-vaccine agenda.

From Salon

Furthermore, the idealistic and notably diverse group of undergrads is implicitly held responsible for polarizing the campus climate with its quickness to decontextualize classroom content on social media.

From Slate

Hagy goes to great lengths to decontextualize her narrative and de-linearize time, both to underscore the perennial aspects of human nature and to create a mythlike atmosphere for her patchwork of retold tales and war lore.

From New York Times